Cyrus Cuenco Powers Mapúa Past San Sebastian with 25 Points
Mapúa extended its NCAA Season 102 winning streak to six games by overwhelming San Sebastian, 71-43, during Monday’s crossover finale. Cyrus Cuenco scored 25 points through three quarters as the Cardinals completed the crossover phase unbeaten and improved to 6-3.
Mapúa Extends NCAA Winning Streak to Six Games
Luis Licas of Tiebreaker Times covered Mapúa’s commanding victory Monday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan. The Cardinals completed the crossover round unbeaten, extending their winning streak to six games before returning to Group A competition.
Mapúa recovered from an uneven opening stretch by winning six consecutive games, including three victories requiring overtime during its current run. The Cardinals carried a 33-24 halftime advantage against San Sebastian before producing their biggest separation following the break.
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Cardinals Improve to 6-3 After Crossover Round
Mapúa improved to 6-3 after completing the crossover phase without a defeat during its extended six-game winning streak. The Cardinals entered the next elimination phase level at 6-3 with Benilde and San Beda behind Group A leader JRU.
Cyrus Cuenco Scores 25 Points Against San Sebastian
Cuenco led Mapúa with 25 points on 9-of-15 shooting while adding three steals during another productive individual performance. The senior guard scored 17 points during the third quarter alone before sitting throughout the entire fourth period.
Cuenco had previously scored 17 points against Perpetual, including nine of Mapúa’s 11 overtime points during their 65-60 victory. Those consecutive performances came under contrasting circumstances, with Monday’s decisive advantage eliminating the need for another pressure-filled finish.
Mapúa Guard Sits Entire Fourth Quarter
Cuenco completed his 25-point performance without entering the fourth quarter after Mapúa established complete control against San Sebastian. Yam Concepcion added 11 points and 10 rebounds, giving the Cardinals another double-digit scorer alongside Cuenco during the victory.
Mapúa Uses Dominant Third Quarter to Break Game Open
Mapúa entered halftime leading 33-24 before overwhelming San Sebastian during a third quarter that effectively decided Monday’s contest. The Cardinals outscored the Golden Stags 27-8 during that period, extending their advantage to 60-32 entering the fourth quarter.
Cuenco personally scored 17 third-quarter points as Mapúa stretched its largest advantage to 32 during the one-sided second half. San Sebastian never reduced the deficit sufficiently afterward, while Mapúa closed the game by maintaining its comfortable advantage through regulation.
Cardinals Put Victory Away Before Final Period
Mapúa created a 19-point scoring advantage during the third quarter, transforming its nine-point halftime lead into a 28-point margin. The Cardinals eventually completed the 71-43 victory after entering the fourth quarter with the game’s outcome already firmly under control.
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San Sebastian Drops to 0-9 After Mapúa Defeat
San Sebastian remained winless through nine games after recording only 43 points against Mapúa during Monday’s crossover-round defeat. The total represented the lowest scoring output by any NCAA Season 102 team through that stage of the tournament.
Kent Bacani led the Golden Stags with 12 points, while Ralph Gabat supplied another 10 during the 28-point defeat. San Sebastian scored eight points during Mapúa’s decisive third-quarter surge after entering halftime within nine points of the Cardinals.
Golden Stags Score Season-Low 43 Points
San Sebastian’s 43 points established the season’s lowest team scoring output through the conclusion of Monday’s NCAA competition. Bacani and Gabat combined for 22 points, accounting for more than half of the Golden Stags’ total against the Cardinals.
Mapúa Turns Attention to Benilde After Sixth Win
Mapúa was scheduled to return to Group A competition against College of Saint Benilde on October 26 at Filoil EcoOil Centre. The Cardinals carried their six-game winning streak into that matchup after completing the crossover phase without suffering another defeat.
Benilde also completed the crossover phase at 6-3, giving both programs identical records entering their scheduled Group A meeting. Mapúa’s previous victory against Perpetual required overtime, while its following performance against San Sebastian produced a considerably wider winning margin.
Cardinals Carry Winning Streak Into Next Game
Mapúa was scheduled to face Benilde after consecutive victories over Perpetual and San Sebastian extended its winning run to six games. The matchup followed contrasting Mapúa victories, including an overtime escape against Perpetual and Monday’s 28-point rout of the Golden Stags.
Analytical Breakdown: Stronger Defense Gives Mapúa More Control
Mapúa’s biggest improvement is winning comfortably after repeatedly relying on late-game execution throughout its six-game surge. The dominant third quarter showed stronger defensive concentration, allowing the Cardinals to create separation without requiring another pressure-filled finish. Benilde should provide a stronger test of Mapúa’s progress, particularly as opponents devote greater defensive attention toward Cuenco’s scoring.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many straight games has Mapúa won?
Mapúa extended its winning streak to six games after defeating San Sebastian, 71-43, during the NCAA Season 102 crossover round.
How many points did Cyrus Cuenco score?
Cyrus Cuenco scored 25 points on 9-of-15 shooting despite sitting throughout the fourth quarter of Mapúa’s victory.
What is Mapúa’s NCAA Season 102 record?
Mapúa improved to 6-3 after completing the crossover phase unbeaten and extending its winning streak to six consecutive games.
Who was Mapúa scheduled to play next?
Mapúa was scheduled to face College of Saint Benilde on October 26 after completing its crossover-round schedule against San Sebastian.
What was San Sebastian’s record after the game?
San Sebastian dropped to 0-9 after scoring a season-low 43 points during its 28-point defeat against Mapúa.
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